Results

The radiologist prepares a report based on the results of the examination and sends it to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you, as well as subsequent tests or treatments that may be required:

Negative result. A barium enema exam is considered negative if the radiologist detects no abnormalities in the colon.

Positive result. A barium enema exam is considered positive if the radiologist detects abnormalities in the colon. Depending on the findings, you may need additional testing — such as a colonoscopy — so that any abnormalities can be examined more thoroughly, biopsied or removed.

If your doctor is concerned about the quality of your X-ray images, he or she may recommend a repeat barium enema or another type of diagnostic test.

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